Sunday is Juneteenth, a national holiday that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Africans in America in 1865, and more broadly, the heritage and culture of African Americans today.
In Kansas City, JuneteenthKC celebrations have been going on all month and culminate this weekend with a heritage festival at 18th and Vine. Before all of these activities, however, the city's first Miss Juneteenth KC was crowned in a pageant last month.
Winning the competition was 13-year-old Ameera Murphy, who describes the moment as "breathtaking."
Markeda Paeterson, program director for JuneteenthKC, says this it's an opportunity for young women not just to compete but also to learn and grow.
- Markeda Paeterson, program director for JuneteenthKC
- Ameera Murphy, Miss JuneteenthKC
- Leila Johnston, graphic designer for the Miss JueteenthKC Pageant
